Mastering Upwork Cover Letters: Pro Tips 2024

Summary

In this video, KET, founder of Coach by KET, reveals the secret to writing winning Upwork cover letters. Drawing from his experience earning over a million dollars on Upwork, he shares key insights on how to stand out in proposals. KET outlines eight common mistakes to avoid, such as using generic greetings and making empty promises. He emphasizes the importance of personalization, confidence, and a clear call to action. By focusing on client needs and showing proof of competence, freelancers can increase their chances of landing high-paying gigs on Upwork.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use the client's first name in your cover letter instead of generic greetings like 'Dear Sir/Madam'.
• 😀 Avoid phrases that show a lack of confidence, like 'I don't have much experience'—present yourself with assurance.
• 😀 Do not make empty promises. Back up your claims with relevant proof or experience.
• 😀 Keep your proposals concise—clients are busy and don’t have time for long explanations.
• 😀 Always personalize your cover letter to demonstrate you've read and understood the job description.
• 😀 Only include information that is directly relevant to the job you're applying for.
• 😀 End your proposal with a clear call to action, such as scheduling a call to discuss further.
• 😀 Use proof of competence, like client testimonials or relevant work samples, to establish trust.
• 😀 Focus on the client’s needs and how you can solve their problems, not just on your skills or background.
• 😀 Revamp your profile and showcase work samples, even if you don’t have client work to show yet.
• 😀 Use a proven, client-focused cover letter template to boost your chances of landing high-paying gigs.

Q & A

What is the main problem freelancers face when using Upwork?

95% of freelancers' proposals are archived without being considered, which means they don't land high-paying jobs. The key is to stand out with well-crafted proposals.

How can freelancers avoid making a generic greeting in their proposals?

Freelancers should always use the client's first name instead of a generic greeting like 'Dear Sir/Madam.' Personalization helps create a connection with the client.

Why is confidence important in a proposal?

Confidence shows that you believe in your abilities and are capable of delivering results. Avoid phrases like 'I am confused' or 'I don't have much experience' as they undermine your credibility.

What should freelancers avoid when making promises in their proposals?

Freelancers should avoid making empty promises without the ability to back them up. Vague promises can make clients skeptical and less likely to hire.

Why is it important to keep proposals concise?

High-paying clients often have limited time and don't want to read long, detailed proposals. Keeping proposals concise helps ensure the client focuses on the key points.

What does it mean to personalize a proposal?

Personalizing a proposal means tailoring it to the specific client and job description, showing that you understand their needs and have done research into their project.

What types of information should be included in a proposal?

Only include information relevant to the job. Avoid unnecessary details or personal stories that do not directly address the client's needs or the project at hand.

Why is a call to action important in a proposal?

A clear call to action, like scheduling a call or discussing next steps, provides the client with a clear direction and encourages them to engage with you.

How can freelancers prove their competence in a proposal?

Freelancers should use client quotes or examples from their profile to demonstrate their skills and build trust with potential clients.

What did the speaker learn from their experience on Upwork?

The speaker learned that by focusing on the client’s needs, customizing proposals, and providing solid work samples, they were able to get noticed and win jobs, even without a history of client reviews.